NSW Greens Call for Reform in Wollongong and Shellharbour.
Posted by reformwcc on November 4, 2009
From the Greens:
“The NSW Greens have called for reform of the electoral system that they claim led to the sacking of both Wollongong and Shellharbour Councils.
In the past year and a half both Wollongong and Shellharbour Councils have been sacked by the NSW Government after inquires into their performance. Wollongong was found to be subject to systemic corruption, while a Department of Local Government Inquiry found Shellharbour to be dysfunctional.
‘We are calling for an end to the notorious two member Ward system which, via a peculiarity of the Local Government Act, has the effect of ensuring single party representation in wards. Most other local government areas enjoy the more democratic proportional representation system,’ said Sylvia Hale Greens spokesperson for Local Government.
“Our State Delegates Council held in Wollongong last weekend was strongly of the view that the two person electoral system was a significant contributor to the corruption of Wollongong City Council, and The Greens believe that only a more democratic system will allow the community’s voice to be heard.
“The Commissioner for the Shellharbour inquiry has said that ‘the current ward structure (6×2) is an impediment to good governance’, said Ms Hale.
The Commissioner has recommended that Shellharbour be restructured to 3 wards of 3 Councillors, and the State Government endorsed the recommendation.
“We are now waiting for this change to be implemented in time for the next Council elections.’
The Illawarra Greens have developed a proposal for Wollongong Council, which divides the city into 4 wards of 3 councillors. ‘We are also repeating our urgent call for this change to Wollongong’s structure to be put into place before the next Council elections’, said Ms Hale.” “It’s time that the NSW Government treated the Illawarra equally to the rest of NSW and brings about the democratic restructure of the two Illawarra local government areas.
“People of the Illawarra deserve a say in their local Council and it is only through democratic reform that allows broader representation of the community in Council that people of the Illawarra be able to eliminate the corrupting influences in their local communities”, said Ms Hale. “
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